Canada travel guide: mobile data, networks and what's on
32 Canada plans from $0.60.
Talisim editorial team · Updated
Quick answer
Talisim sells 32 Canada eSIM plans from $0.60, 7–30 days, 100MB–50GB, up to 3G, 4G, 5G, on networks including Rogers Wireless, Bell, Telus. Top-ups: yes, on most plans. Data only: no phone number, calls or texts. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and iMessage work over data. Hotspot and tethering work, as far as your phone allows, and use the same data.
What the network is actually like
Fast in the cities. Montreal's metro has signal in every station and tunnel; Toronto's subway has it at all stations and in some tunnels. Outside towns it drops off quickly. The Icefields Parkway has none, Highway 17 along Lake Superior has long gaps, and BC Ferries has no onboard wifi.
This eSIM: up to 3G, 4G, 5G, onnetworks including Rogers Wireless, Bell, Telus. Each plan on the Canada page says which of these it uses.
How much data you'll need
10GB covers a fortnight of maps, Uber and messages. Download Google Maps offline areas before the Rockies or Lake Superior, since driving directions still work without signal.
Recommended: 10GB → closest plan 10GB · 30 days, $19.80.
Where people go
Toronto
Every subway station has signal. The PATH runs over 30km below downtown.
Montreal
French first. 4G across the whole metro, tunnels included.
Vancouver
Canada Line from the airport takes about 25 minutes.
Quebec City
The only intact city walls north of Mexico. French is the default.
Banff
Signal in town, little on the trails.
What's on
Timings are month-level, because most of these move year to year.
Calgary Stampede
July, for ten days
Stampede Park, Calgary
Rodeo, concerts and over a million visitors. The CTrain runs all night.
Quebec Winter Carnival
February, for ten days
Quebec City
Night parades and an ice palace. Highs sit around -5°C, and phone batteries drain fast below zero.
Quick answers
- Which networks does a Talisim Canada eSIM use?
- Our Canada plans run on networks including Rogers Wireless, Bell, Telus, at up to 3G, 4G, 5G; a given plan may use only some of them. Each plan on the Canada page lists the networks it uses.
- Can I top up a Canada eSIM?
- Yes. Most Canada plans can be topped up with more data and days from your order page until they expire, on the same eSIM with no new QR code.
- Does a Canada eSIM come with a phone number?
- No. Data only: no phone number, calls or texts. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and iMessage work over data.
- How much data do I need for Canada?
- 10GB covers a fortnight of maps, Uber and messages. Download Google Maps offline areas before the Rockies or Lake Superior, since driving directions still work without signal.
Regional plans that also cover Canada
Crossing a border on the same trip? One of these covers the whole route on one eSIM.
Other guides nearby
Mexico
United StatesNew to eSIMs? The FAQ covers checking your phone supports one, installing it before you fly, and what to do if it won't connect.